Old Florida Charm With California Backbone
Boca Grande · Boca Grande · American, Seafood · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 11, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Temptation reads like a California greatest hits album — familiar names, reliable producers, nothing that's going to surprise you but nothing that's going to let you down either. For a laid-back Gulf Coast spot in a tiny island town, this is a thoughtfully curated list that punches above its weight class. The classic old Florida bar atmosphere sets the right expectations: this is about comfort, not showboating.
The 80-120 bottle list leans heavily California, which tracks for a restaurant that's held a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 2002 — and California is exactly what their guests are ordering. You've got Caymus and Jordan anchoring the reds, Rombauer and Stag's Leap covering the Chardonnay crowd, and Duckhorn Merlot for anyone still loyally holding out since Sideways. Ferrari-Carano fills the middle tier nicely. There are no deep cuts from Burgundy or the Rhône here, and that's fine — this isn't a wine bar, it's a seafood restaurant on a barrier island where the grouper is the headline act.
With 10-16 pours ranging from $10-$18, the by-the-glass program is respectable for the format and location. You're likely looking at the usual California suspects on glass — expect Rombauer Chardonnay to be the crowd favorite move at this particular bar. The range covers enough ground that you can match your glass to whatever's coming out of the Gulf that evening.
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon — $65
Jordan consistently overdelivers for its price point, and in a restaurant setting where markups can get ugly, finding it at a fair bottle price makes it the move for anyone splitting a red at the table.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Chardonnay
Everyone reaches for the Rombauer here, but the Stag's Leap Chardonnay is the more interesting glass — better acid, more structure, and it actually holds up against the briny Gulf seafood without drowning it in butter and vanilla.
Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve
This is a $15 grocery store bottle sitting on a restaurant list. Whatever they're charging for it, you're overpaying. Order literally anything else.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Chardonnay + Seared scallops
Seared scallops want a Chardonnay with enough weight to stand up to the caramelization but enough freshness to cut through — Stag's Leap brings both. It's a cleaner, crisper match than the Rombauer that most guests will default to.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Temptation is exactly what a wine list should be in Boca Grande — honest, California-focused, and priced fairly enough that you'll enjoy a second bottle without the bill ruining the sunset. Send your friends here, tell them to skip the KJ.
Scott's Addition · Richmond · American, Seafood
Lillian is the rare spot where the wine list is more ambitious than the address suggests — a focused, France-and-Italy-forward program with legit producers, a knowledgeable floor lead, and bottle prices that don't feel punitive. Send a friend here, tell them to sit at the counter, order oysters, and ask PJ what's open.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
River North · Chicago · American, Seafood
Terrace 16 earns its Wine Spectator badge and delivers a respectable, California-and-France-focused list in one of Chicago's most dramatic dining rooms. Just don't expect to be surprised — the wine is as reliable as the skyline view, and nearly as expensive.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Natchitoches · Natchitoches · American, Seafood
Mariner's isn't trying to be a wine destination — it's a waterfront restaurant in Natchitoches that happens to take its California Cab and Chardonnay seriously, and the Wine Spectator credential is earned. Send your friends here for the view and the Steak Oscar, and trust that the wine list won't let you down.
Plays It Safe
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.